Fabric shearing apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for automatically cutting lengths from a travelling web of fabric and for storing cut lengths thereof and conveying the stored lengths of the fabric to the storage area. The web of fabric is drawn or fed from the storage roll and passed through the apparatus until the leading edge of the web activates a signal device whereupon a gripping shoe is actuated for momentarily stopping the forward movement of the travelling web while a shearing element cuts the fabric in a cross-wise or transverse direction. The length of fabric thus severed from the web is automatically transferred to a storage slat, and the gripping shoe is released to permit continued movement of the fabric. When a predetermined quantity of severed lengths of fabric have been stored or deposited on the storage slat, the slat is conveyed toward a storage area, and the next succeeding slat is moved into position for receiving a quantity of severed lengths of the fabric.

United States Patent Phillips [151 3,680,418 51 Aug. 1,1972

[54] FABRIC SHEARING APPARATUS Primary Examiner.lames M. Meister [72] Inventor: John Franklin Phillips, Route 2, Box

255 Sand Springs Okla 74063 Attorney-William S. Dorman [22] Filed: April 20, 1970 [57] ABSTRACT PP 29,810 An apparatus for automatically cutting lengths from a travelling web of fabric and for storing cut lengths [521 {LS CL 83/80 83/83 83/210 thereof and conveying the stored lengths of the fabric /236 /261 to the storage area. The web of fabric is drawn or fed [51 Int. Cl. ..B65 h 33/00 the wage and Passed the apparatus [58] Field of Search ..83/80, 79, 83, 209, 210, 236, "1 'eadmg mates 3 83/261 282 device whereupon a gripping shoe is actuated for momentarily stopping the forward movement of the [56] References Cited travelling web while a shearing element cuts the fabric in a cross-wise or transverse direction. The length of UNITED STATES PATENTS fabric 11:18 severed from; the (we: is automagcall y trans erre to a storage s at, an t e grlpplng s 0e 18 2693235 11/1954 Kenworthy et a1 "83/210 X released to permit continued movement of the fabric. 2,898,995 8/1959 Funnell ..83/210 w a predetermined quantity f Severed lengths of 3,400,622 9/1968 O lsen ..83/210 fabric have been Stored or deposited on the storage 2,346,194 4/1944 SJOSU'OITI ..83/83 X Slat, the Slat is conveyed toward a Storage area and 2,408,363 10/1946 Beckman et a1. ..83/261 X the next Succeeding slat is moved into position for 3,126,848 3/1964 Gastonquay ..83/80 X receiving a quantity of Severed lengths of the fabric 3,207,018 9/1965 Rauenbuehler ..83/261 X 2,637,394 5/1953 Fey ..83/80 X 13 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures no 80 74 g/ 84 4 3 I22 l 146, I48 144 PATENTEDAUB 1 I972 SHEET 1 BF 3 INVENTOR. JOHN FRANKLIN PHILLIPS ATTORNEY PATENTEDAUG 1 I972 SHEET 2 [IF 3 FIG. 2

INVENTOR. JOHN FRANKLIN PHILLIPS ATTORNEY PATENTEDAus 1 1972 3,6 80,418

sum 3 or 3 JOHN FRANKLIN PHILLIPS ATTORNEY INVENTOR.

FABRIC SHEARING APPARATUS This invention relates to improvements in shearing devices and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to an apparatus for severing predetermined lengths of material from a travelling web.

Fabrics are usually woven or otherwise made in relatively long lengths or webs and are stored on bolts or rolls. In the manufacture of certain finished products from fabric, such as bed sheets, pillow cases, table linens, and the like, it is desirable to cut the web of fabric into substantially equal lengths for facilitating the completion of theproduct. At the present time, the material is usually unrolled from the large storage roll until a desired length of the fabric has been released from the roll and the desired length is cut manually from the complete web of the material. The severed fabric portion is then hand stored on a slat and when a sufficient number of fabric lengths have been so stored, the slat is moved to a storage bin. Of course, the manually cutting of the material usually results in unevenness in both the overall length of the severed pieces of fabric andin the cut itself.

The present invention contemplates an apparatus for automatically severing predetermined lengths of fabric from a web of material in a manner wherein the cut in the fabric is straight, and the length of each fabric severed from the complete web is substantially identical, thus providing for a more uniform quality in the end product. The novel device comprises a holding frame for receiving and supporting the roll of fabric to be cut. The fabric is unrolled or pulled from the storage roll and deposited in a first storage area commonly known as a scray wherein a predetermined quantity or length of the fabric accumulates in a relatively free and easy manner to facilitate the further handling of the web. An upright frame structure is spaced from the storage roll and is provided with plurality of guide elements or rollers over which the web of fabric moves. Nip roller means is provided on the upright frame for receiving the fabric therebetween and function for pulling the fabric from the scray, over the guide rollers and through the shearing apparatus. As the web of fabric moves beyond the nip roller means the leading edge of the fabric moves into the proximity of a sensing device, such as an electric eye, or the like and as the edge of the fabric moves into the sensing area, the electrical circuit is energized for activating gripping shoe means which momentarily stops the forward travel of the web and maintains the web stationary as a shearing element automatically moves transversely with respect to the web for quickly and evenly cutting or shearing the fabric.

The severed length of fabric is momentarily disposed on or supported by a receiving frame member, and releasing means is automatically actuated subsequent to the severing operation for releasing the severed fabric length from the receiving frame whereby the severed length of fabric falls by gravity onto a storage slat. The length of fabric is folded over the slat in such a manner that substantially one-half of the length falls from one side of the slat and the other half of the length falls from the other side of the slat. Substantially immediately upon the release of the severed length of fabric, the gripping shoe means releases the web of fabric and the operation is repeated. Of course, when a predetermined number of fabric lengths have been deposited on the storage slat, the loaded slat is conveyed toward a storage bin area and the next succeeding slat is moved into position for being loaded with fabric lengths. Each piece of fabric thus severed from the complete web of material is of substantially identical length, and is provided with substantially straight and even cuts at both ends thereof, thus greatly improving the uniformity of the end products.

It is an important object of this invention to provide a novel apparatus for automatically severing lengths of material from a travelling web.

It is another object of this invention to provide a novel apparatus particularly designed and constructed for severing a plurality of pieces of material from a travelling web wherein each severed piece of material is of a substantially identical length.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel apparatus for shearing fabric from a web of material wherein the cut of the fabric is substantially straight and even.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a novel apparatus for shearing fabric from a continuous length of material and storing the severed lengths sub sequent to the shearing operation.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel apparatus for shearing fabric from a continuous web which is simple and efficient in operation and economical and durable in construction.

Other and further objects and advantageous features of the present invention will hereinafter more fully appear in connection with a detailed description of the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a fabric shearing apparatus embodying the invention with portions thereof broken away for purposes of illustration.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a portion of the conveying system of the invention and is a continuation of the conveying system portion of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view taken on line 33 of FIG. 1, with portions thereof cut away for purposes of illustration.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a slat dispensing element of the invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side elevational view of the gripping and shearing elements of the invention.

FIG. 6 is an electrical schematic view of a fabric shearing apparatus embodying the invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail, reference numeral 10 generally indicates a fabric shearing device comprising an upright frame 12 spaced from a fabric storage drum 14 which is joumalled for rotation in any well known manner. As shown herein, the drum 14 is provided with a central shaft 16 which is supported at the opposite ends by a pair of suitable spaced support posts 18 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 1) of a support frame 19 whereby the roll 14 is freely rotatable for releasing the web 20 of fabric therefrom. The web 20 may be pulled from the storage roll 14 in any well known manner. For example, a pair of cooperating nip rolls or squeeze rollers 22 and 24 may be journalled between a pair of posts 26 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 1) for receiving the web 20 therebetween. The rollers 22 and 24 may compose a plurality of rollers spaced along respective rod members or may be elongated rollers at least as long as or slightly greater than the width of the web 20 and disposed substantially parallel with respect to each other whereby pressure is applied to the opposite sides of the web 20 disposed therebetween. It is preferable that the rolls or roller 24 be adjustably arranged with respect to the rolls or roller 22 and may be moved in a direction away from or toward the roller 22 by manipulation of the adjustment screw 28 in order to vary the pressure against the web 20. It will be apparent that the roll 24 may be moved away from the roll 22 when it is desired to initially insert the web 20 therebetween, and the roll 24 may be moved into a pressure engagement with the roll 22 when it is desired to pull the web 20 from the storage roll 14. The rollers 22 and 24 are rotated about the respective longitudinal axes thereof in any suitable manner for pulling the web 20 from the storage roll 14 as is well known. For example, one of the rollers, such asthe roller 22 may be driven by a motor (not shown) and the roller 24 may rotate freely in an opposite direction as the roller 22 is driven.

A scray 30 is provided on the frame 19 and is interposed between the rollers 22 and 24 and the upright frame 12 for loosely receiving an accumulation of the fabric web 20 therein, as is well known. A flexible plate member 32, or the like, is yieldable supported in the lower portion of the scray 30 in any suitable manner, such as by the spring 34, and is normally maintained in an uppermost position as shown in FIG. 1.- However, when a sufficient quantity of the fabric 20 has accumulated in the scray 30 whereby the weight of the accumulated fabric exceeds the force of the spring element 34, the plate or finger 32 is depressed and engages a weight sensitive limit switch 36 such as a microswitch, or the like, which is suitable electrically connected with the drive motor (not shown) of the rollers 22 and 24. When the microswitch 36 is engaged or activated by the plate or finger 32, the rotation of the rollers 22 and 24 is interrupted to cease the pulling of additional fabric from the storage roll 14, thus precluding the accumulation of too great a quantity of the fabric or material in the scray 30.

A pair of elongated guide rollers 38 and 40 are mounted on the upper portion of the frame 12 and are preferably of a length'substantially equal to or greater than the width of the web 20. The rollers 38 and 40 are disposed in substantially parallel relationship and are spaced for receiving the web 20 thereover as particularly shown in FIG. 1. The rollers 38 and 40 are journalled in any well known manner, such as by suitable support bearings 42 and 44 for facilitating the passage of the web 20 moving thereover.

The web 20 extends from the scray 30 to the roller 38 and over, the roller 40 to the opposite side of the frame 12, where the fabric or web 20 is directed between nip rolls 46 and 48 which cooperate for pulling the web 20 from the scray 30. The rollers 46 and 48 may be of any suitable type and as shown in FIG. 3 the roller 48 is an elongated roller preferably of a length substantially equal to or slightly greater than the width of the web 20. The roller 48 is journalled between a pair of spaced side support members 50 and 52 for rotation about its longitudinal axis, and may be driven by a motor 54 and pulley system 56 (FIG. 6). The motor 54 is activated by the usual motor starter 58 which may be energized by the usual start and stopswitch 60 for initiating operation of the apparatus 10, as will be hereinafter set forth.

The roller 46 as shown in FIG. 3 comprises a plurality of spaced rollers 46 mounted on a shaft 62 for free rotation upon engagement thereof with the rotating roller 48, as is well known. The shaft 62 is disposed substantially parallel with the roller 48 and is preferably adjustable with respect to the roller 48 by the adjusting means 64 whereby the pressure of the roller 46 against the roller 48 may be varied. The opposite ends of the shaft 62 are supported by or suitably secured to one end of substantially identical spaced bell crank members 66 and 68, and the rollers 46 are normally disposed in a pressure engagement with the roller 48 whereby. rotation of the rollers causes the web 20 to move in a forward direction therebetween to pull the fabric from the scray 30. The roller is normally continuously rotating during operation of the apparatus 10, as will be hereinafter set forth.

The bell crank members 66 and 68 are substantially identical and are each pivotally secured to the side frames 50 and 52, respectively, in a substantially identical manner, and only the bell crank 66 will be described in detail herein. The bell crank 66 is pivotally secured at 70 (FIG. 5) to a support bracket 72 which in turn is secured to the side frame 50 in any suitable manner (not shown), and the pivot point 70 functions as a fulcrum for the bell crank 66. A rod member 74 is pivotally secured to the bell crank 66 at 76 and is spaced from the fulcrum 70 and oppositely disposed from the connection between the shaft 62 and the arm 66. The rod 74 extends from the arm 66 in a direction toward the storage roll 14 and has the opposite end thereof pivotally secured at 78 to one end of a bell crank 80. The crank or lever 80 is pivotally secured at 82 within the frame structure 12 in any suitable manner (not shown) and the rod 84 of a solenoid 86, or the like, is pivotally secured at 88 to the opposite end of the lever 80. The solenoid 86 may be pivotally or otherwise secured at 90 to the side frame member 50. The motor starter 58 is operably connected with an electrical power source such as a 220 AC current source as is well known. A relay 92 is also operably connected with the electrical power source and relay 94, and the solenoid 86 is suitably operably connected with the relay 94 in a manner and for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. The normal position for the bell cranks 66 and 68 is as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 wherein the rollers 46 and 48 are in driving engagement. However, actuation of the solenoid 86 causes the arms 66 and 68 to rotate about the fulcrum 70 in such a manner as to release the engagement between the rollers 46 and 48.

A gripper bar or friction brake member 96 is secured to an angle member 98 (FIG. 5) which extends between the bell cranks 66 and 68 and is suitably secured to the opposite ends thereof with respect to the shaft 62. The length of the bar 96 is preferably substantially equal to or slightly greater than the width of the web 20 and in the released position of the rollers 46 and 48, the brake shoe 96 is brought into engagement with the web 20 withsufficient force to clamp the web 20 against a suitable back-up plate or bar 98 which is secured between the side plates 50 and S2 for holding the web 20 temporarily against forward movement for a purpose and in a manner as will be hereinafter set forth.

A suitable shear apparatus or cutter 100 is operably secured between a pair of pivotal lever arms 102 and 104 which in turn are pivotally secured to the side frames 50 and 52 at 106 and 108, respectively. The cutter 100 extends transversely between the side frames 50 and 52 and the pivot points 106 and 108 function as fulcrums for the lever arms 102 and 104 whereby the cutter 100 may be intermittently actuated for shearing or severing the web at selected intervals for cutting predetermined lengths of fabric from the web, as will be hereinafter set forth. A pair of rod members 110 (only one of which is shown in the drawings) are pivotally secured to the levers 102 and 104 at 112 spaced from the fulcrums 106 and 108 thereof and oppositely disposed with respect to the connection of the cutter 100 with the arms 102 and 104. The rods 110 extend in a direction towardly the storage roll 14 and are each pivotally connected at 114 to an independent rotatable cam member 116. The cam members 116 are secured to a rotatable shaft member 118 and are spaced in substantial alignment with the respective arm 102 and 104. Of course, the shaft or rod 118 is journalled to the frame structure 12 in any well known manner (not shown), and an actuating lever arm 120 is secured thereto between the cams 116 for transmitting rotation to the shaft 118. The outer end of the arm 120 is pivotally secured at 122 to one end of the piston rod 124 of a pneumatic cylinder 126. The cylinder 126 may be secured to the frame structure 12 in any well known manner (not shown). The cylinder 126 is operably connected with a source of pneumatic pressure fluid, such as air, through the air valve 128, for selective actuation of the cylinder 126. The air valve 128 is also operably connected with the relay 94 in a manner and for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth.

A main fabric receiving framework element 130 (FIG. 1) is provided on the frame structure 12 and oppositely disposed from the scray 30. The frame 130 is preferably disposed at an angle with respect to the vertical, as clearly shown in FIG. 1, and the angle of disposition thereof may be varied in any well known manner, such as by the adjustment device 132. A secondary fabric receiving frame member 134 is disposed in a normal substantially coplanar disposition with respect to the element 130 and is hingedly secured at 136 for pivoting outward from the plane of the frame 130 to the position shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1. The frame 134 may be pivoted about the hinge 136 in any suitable manner and as shown herein a bell crank member 138 is pivotally secured to the frame structure 12 at 140 and one end thereof suitably connected with the frame 134 by a rod 142 and the opposite end thereof suitably connected with the piston rod 144 of a pneumatic cylinder 146. Actuation of the cylinder 146 pivots the bell crank 138 for pivoting of the frame 134 about the hinge 136 for a purpose and in a manner as will be hereinafter set forth. The cylinder 146 may be secured to the frame structure 12 in any suitable manner (not shown) and is operably connected with a supply of pneumatic fluid, such as air, through an air valve 148 for actuation thereby, as is well known. The air valve 148 is also operably connected with the solenoid 86 for actuation thereby for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth.

A suitable sensing device 150 is carried by the frame 130, or may be secured to the frame structure 12 for sensing or detecting the presence of the leading edge of the web 20 passing through the apparatus 10. Whereas the sensing device 150 may be of any suitable type, such as an electric eye, or the like, the particular embodiment depicted herein is a microswitch which is tripped or activated by the engagement of the leading edge of the fabric or web 20. The microswitch 150 is operably connected with the relay 92 for actuation thereof upon being tripped by the moving web 20. The relay 92 is also operably connected with the relay 94 whereby both relays 92 and 94 are simultaneously energized or activated by the microswitch 150 as will be hereinafter set forth. The relay 92 closes a suitable switch 152 upon actuation thereof whereas the relay 94 closes a pair of switches 154 and 156 upon actuation thereof. It is preferable that the switch 152 be closed immediately upon energization of the relay 92, but the switches 154 and 156 are preferably of a time delay type, with the time delay of the switch 156 being greater than the time delay of the switch 154. The switch 152 is connected with the relay 92, the switch 154 is connected with the solenoid 86, and the switch 156 is connected with the air valve 128.

A conveyor system generally indicated at 158 is disposed in the proximity of the main fabric receiving frame 130 as clearly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The conveyor system 138 as shown herein comprises first a pair of spaced pulleys 160 and 162 having an endless belt 164 extending therebetween. Of course, the pulleys 160 and 162 may be journalled on a suitable support structure (not shown). A second pair of spaced pulleys 166 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 3) having an endless belt or chain (not shown) extending therebetween is provided in substantial alignment with the first pulleys 160 and 162 and belt 164. The belts are spaced apart for receiving the opposite ends of slat members, such as the slat 168, and for moving the slats independently in a direction away from the frame 12 and towards a storage rack 170. A supply of the slats 170 is maintained in the battery 172 which is secured to the conveyor apparatus 158 in the proximity of the pulleys 160 and 166. A release mechanism 174 is provided on the battery 172 for selectively releasing a single slat 168 at a time for deposit on the spaced belts of the conveyor apparatus 158.

The battery 172 may be of any suitable construction but is preferably provided with a pair of oppositely disposed guide channels 176 and 178 spaced apart by a plurality of transversely extending cross members 180 and 182 secured therebetween. Suitable stop means (not shown) is provided on the channels 176 and 178, or on the cross member 182 for retaining the stored slats 168 between the channels 176 and 178 and spaced above the slat 168 deposited on the conveyor apparatus 158. The releasing mechanism 174 cooperates with the stop means for selectively releasing the lowermost stored slat 168 when it is desired to deposit another slat on the conveyor-apparatus, as will be hereinafter set forth. A slat 168 remains in the forward position on the conveyor apparatus 158 until it has been loaded with a predetermined quantity of cut lengths of fabric. Subsequent to the loading of an individual slat 168, the conveyor chains 164 are activated for initiating the movement of the loaded slat in a direction away from the frame structure 12 and toward the storage rack 170. As soon as a loaded slat 168 reaches the end of the conveyor belt 164 in the proximity of the storage rack 170, the slat moves onto the uppermost spaced slide rails 184 (only one of which is shown) of the rack 170 which extend downwardly and rearwardly from the end of the conveyor apparatus 158, as clearly shown in FIG. 2. The loaded slats 168 will thus slide along the slide rails 184 toward the termination or end (not shown) of the rack for storage until the cut lengths of fabric are to be used.

OPERATION When it is desired to cut or sever a plurality of a substantially identical lengths of fabric from a continuous web of the fabric, the storage roll 14 of the fabric 20 is rotatably mounted on the support structure 18 as is well known. The leading edge of the fabric 20 may be manually pulled from the roll 14 and fed through or between the rollers 22 and 24. The rollers 22 and 24 normally rotate continuously when the apparatus is in use, and the pressure of the rollers 22 and 24 against each other, with the web interposed therebetween,

pulls the web from the roll 14 and deposits the fabric in the scray 20. When a sufficient quantity or length of the fabric has accumulated within the scray, the leading end of the fabric 20 may then be manually disposed over the guide rollers 38 and 40 and interposed between the rollers 46 and 48. The rollers 46 and 48 also normally rotate continuously when the apparatus 10 is in operation and pull the fabric 20 from the scray 30 and over the guide rollers 38 and 40.

As hereinbefore set forth, the flexible plate or finger 32 supports a portion of the accumulated fabric in the scray 30 and when an excess of of the fabric is deposited in the scray, the weight of the fabric will depress the plate 32 against the force of the spring 34 and energize or activate the switch 36. The switch 36 is electrically connected with the power source (not shown) of the rollers 22 and 24 and upon engagement of the switch 36 by the finger 32, the operation of the power source is interrupted to stop the rotation of the rollers 22 and 24. The pressure of the rollers 22 and 24 against each other will hold the web 20 securely therebetween, but will cease to supply additional fabric to the scray 30 until the excess supply thereof has been removed by the action of the rollers 46 and 48. Of course, the drive speed of the rollers 22 and 24 and of the rollers 46 and 48 are selected to move the fabric at the desired speed ratio therebetween to assure that a predetermined quantity of fabric will be maintained in the scray which will provide an optimum operating efficiency for the apparatus 10.

The fabric 20 is pulled from the scray 30 by the rollers 46 and 48 and the portion of the fabric extending beyond the rollers 46 and 48 is driven through the cutter 100 and falls by gravity over the exposed face or surface of the main fabric support frame 130. Normally, the fabric lays snugly against the frame 130 and travels easily downwardly therealong until the leading edge of the web 20 engages the microswitch 150 (or interrupts the beam of an electric eye, or otherwise activates a suitable sensing device). The engagement of the edge of the fabric 20 with the switch 150 activates the switch 150 for immediately simultaneously energizing the relays 92 and 94. The relay 94 immediately closes the switch 154 which energizes the solenoid 86 for pivoting the arms 66 and 68 in a direction for moving the roller 46 away from the roller 48 and moving the brake shoe 96 into engagement with the back-up plate 98 for clamping the fabric 20 therebetween. The disengagement of the roller 46 from the roller 48 stops the rotation of the roller 46 and the forward movement of the fabric 20 is thus temporarily suspended. IT will be apparent that the forward pull on the fabric 20 is released slightly before the engagement of the brake shoe 96 therewith to preclude accidental tearing of the fabric. Of course, the location of the switch 150 with respect to the cutter 100 will determine the length of fabric 20 to be severed from the web, and the distance between the cutter 100 and the switch 150 may be selected in accordance with the desired cutting results for fabric lengths.

The air valve 148 is also activated simultaneously with the activation of the solenoid 86 for moving the rod 144 of the pneumatic cylinder 146 in a direction for pivoting of the bell crank 138 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 1. This causes the secondary fabric support frame 134 to move angularly outward from the frame to the position shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1. The fabric 20 laying across or on the exposed surface of the frame 34 is thus moved therewith in such a manner as to drape the fabric slightly over the slat 168. The free end of the fabric falling from the lowermost end of the angularly disposed frame 134 will be disengaged from the switch 150 to reset the apparatus 10 for repeating an operational cycle. However, there is a time delay action in the switch 152 whereby the resetting or opening of the relay 92 is delayed through a predetermined time interval to assure completion of the severing operation before reinstating the pulling of the fabric through the apparatus 10 The relay 94 also closes the switch 156, but there is a time delay between the closing of the switch 154 and the switch 156. When the switch 156 closes the air valve 128 is energized for actuating the cylinder 126 and moving the rod 124 therein in a direction for rotating the lever arm 120 in a clockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 5. This rotates the shaft 118 in a clockwise direction for rotating the cams 116 simultaneously therewith to move the rods 110 in a right hand direction as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 5. The rods 1 10 pivot the arms 102 and 104 in a direction about the fulcrum 106 for moving the cutter 100 into engagement with the fabric 20 whereby the cutter 100 cuts or shears the engire width of the weg 20 in a substantially straight and even transverse cut.

The shearing of the web 20 releases the severed length of fabric from the remaining portions of the web. The upper end of the free severed length of fabric moves downwardly along the outer surface of the an gularly disposed frame 134 by gravity and will drop over When the severed length of the fabric has thus been deposited on the slat 168, the time delay action of the switch 152 will open or reset the relay 92 for restoring the apparatus 10 to the normal operation thereof for pulling an additional length of the web from the scray until the shearing operation is repeated. In other words, disengagement of the microswitch 150 is accomplished when the secondary cloth support is moved to the position shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1. This action pulls the leading edge of the web 20 away from the microswitch 150, thus breaking the circuit to the relay 92 causing the relay 92 to drop out. Because of the delay action of the switch 152, the switch 152 will not open immediately but delays long enough for the cutting apparatus 100 to complete the shearing of the web. A plurality of the severed lengths of fabric are deposited on the slat 168, and when a predetermined quantity of the fabric has been stored on a slat 168, the conveyor apparatus 158 may be activated in any suitable manner (not shown) for moving the loaded slat 168 in a direction away from the frame structure 12 and toward the storage rack 170. As the loaded slat 168 moves sufficiently to provide clearance for the next succeeding slat 168, the conveyor apparatus may be stopped, and the next slat 168 is dropped from the battery 172 by the releasing mechanism 174 and the loading of the newly deposited slat 168 may be commenced as hereinbefore set forth. Of course, if desired, each loaded slat 168 may be conveyed to the storage rack 170 prior to the depositing of the next succeeding slat 168 on the conveyor. As a loaded slat 168 is deposited on the guide or slide rails of the rack 170, the loaded slats will slide therealong into a position adjacent the previously loaded slat as particularly shown in FIG. 2. The cut lengths of fabric may be stored on the loaded slats until such a time as it is desired to remove the fabric for other uses, as is well known.

It will be apparent that pieces of fabric of substantially the same length may be repeatedly severed from the web 20 to provide substantially any desired number of fabric pieces. Each fabric piece will be substantially the same length as every other piece of fabric, and the crosswise or transverse cuts on each length of fabric will be substantially even and straight, thus providing an improved uniformity in the end product.

By the way of summary, a bolt or roll of fabric is journalled on the apparatus and the web of fabric is pulled from the roll for depositing in the usual scray. The accumulated fabric is pulled from the scray for passage over guide rollers for maintaining a substantially true path of travel for the web, and is directed through a shearing apparatus and therebeyond until a predetermined length of the fabric has moved from the proximity of the cutter. The leading edge of the travelling web trips a sensing apparatus for automatically temporarily stopping the forward movement thereof and gripping the web in the stopped position. A shearing apparatus automatically shears the web across the entire width thereof, and the severed length of material is automatically deposited on a slat member for storage until used to produce the desired end product. The novel apparatus is simple and efiicient in operation and economical and durable in construction.

Whereas the present invention has been described in particular relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention.

lclaim:

1. A sheet handling apparatus for use in cutting long 5 sheets of material into desired lengths comprising in combination, a sheet feeding means, sheet braking means, sheet cutting means, sheet receiving means receiving the leading portion of the material by gravity, sensing means cooperating with the sheet receiving means for detecting movement of the sheet through a predetermined distance, means operably connecting the sensing means with the sheet feeding means and sheet braking means for automatically stopping the forward movement of the sheet and clamping the sheet in saidstopped position upon activation of the sensing means by the sheet, means operably connecting the sensing means with the sheet cutting means for severing the sheet transversely subsequent to the clamping of the sheet, and means operably connected with the sensing means for removing the severed sheet portion from the sheet receiving means, and said sheet feeding means including guide roller means receiving the sheet of material thereover for facilitating movement of the material through the apparatus, drive roller means engageable with the opposite sides of the sheet of material for moving the material over the guide rollers and through the apparatus, said braking means including brake bar means engageable with the material between the guide roller means and the drive roller means during the clamping of the sheet, said cutting means comprising knife means selectively engageable with the sheet of material between the drive roller means and sheet receiving means, and said sheet removing means including pivotal material support means secured in the proximity of the sheet receiving means and operably subsequent to severing of the material for removing the severed sheet portion from the sheet receiving means.

2. A sheet handling apparatus as set forth in claim 1 and including storage means for receiving the severed sheet portion upon removal thereof from the sheet receiving means.

3. A sheet handling apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein ,the storage means comprises slat means for receiving a plurality of severed sheet portions thereover, conveyor means for supporting the slat means, and storage rack means for receiving loaded slat means from the conveyor belt.

4. A sheet handling apparatus for use in cutting long sheets of material into desired lengths comprising in combination, a sheet feeding means, sheet braking means, sheet cutting means, sheet receiving means, sensing means cooperating with the sheet receiving means for detecting movement of the sheet through a predetermined distance, means operably connecting the sensing means with the sheet feeding means and sheet braking means for automatically stopping the forward movement of the sheet and clamping the means in said stopped position upon activation of the sensing means by the sheet, means operably connecting the sensing means with the sheet cutting means for severing the sheet transversely subsequent to the clamping of the sheet, and means operably connected with the sensing means for removing the severed sheet portion from the sheet receiving means, including storage means for receiving the severed sheet portion upon removal thereof from the sheet receiving means, wherein the storage means comprises slat means for receiving a plurality of severed sheet portions thereover, conveyor means for supporting. the slat means, and storage rack means for receiving loaded slat means from the conveyor belt, and wherein the slat means includes battery means disposed in the proximity of one end of the conveyor means for holding a plurality of slat members and releasing means carried by the battery means for independently releasing individual slat members for selective disposition on the conveyor means.

5. A sheet handling apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the sheet feeding means includes cooperating nip rollers having the axes thereof mutually parallel for receiving the sheet therebetween, one of said nip rollers being carried by pivotal lever arm means, said lever arm means being operably connected with said sensing means for pivoting in one direction upon activation of the sensing means to disengage the said one nip roller from the sheet.

6. A sheet handling apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein the sheet braking means includes brake shoe means carried by the said pivotal lever arm means and oppositely disposed with respect to the said one nip roller whereby the brake shoe means engages the sheet upon release of the said one nip roller therefrom.

7. A sheet handling apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the sheet cutting means includes knife means carried by pivotal lever arm means and normally disposed out of engagement with the sheet, and said means connecting the sheet cutting means with the sensing means including actuating rod means connected with the pivotal lever arm means oppositely disposed with respect to the knife means for selectively pivoting the lever arm means in one direction upon actuation of the sensing means for severing of the sheet.

8. A sheet-handling apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the sheet receiving means includes a main frame member for receiving and supporting the free end of the sheet subsequent to passage thereof through the sheet cutting means, and a secondary frame member for removing the severed sheet portion from the main frame member.

9. A sheet handling apparatus as set forth in claim 8, including storage means, and wherein the secondary frame member is pivotally secured to the main frame member for removing the severed sheet portion from the main frame member and depositing of the severed portion on the storage means.

10. A sheet handling apparatus for use in cutting long sheets of material into desired lengths comprising in combination a storage roll for the material scray means, first drive roller means for moving the material from the storage roll to the scray means, second drive roller means for alternately moving the material from the scray and stopping the material in a stationary position, sheet cutting means for receiving the material therethrough subsequent to passage of the sheet through the second drive roller means, sheet receiving means for receiving the material from the sheet cutting means by gravity, sensing means actuated by the leading edge of the material upon the movement of a predetermined length thereof, said second drive roller means operably connected with the sensing means for stopping the material upon activation of the sensing means. Brake means disposed on the opposite side of the second drive roller means with respect to the shearing means for clamping the sheet in the in the stationary position thereof upon disengagement of the second drive roller means therefrom, means operably connecting the shearing means with the sensing means for cutting the sheet transversely upon activation of the sensing means, and means associated with the said sheet receiving means for removing the severed portion of the sheet therefrom.

11. A sheet handling apparatus for use in cutting long sheets of material into desired lengths comprising in combination a storage roll for the material, scray means, first drive roller means for moving the material from thestorage roll to the scray means, second drive roller means for alternately moving the material from the scray and stopping the material in a stationary position, sheet cutting means for receiving the material therethrough, sheet receiving means for receiving the material from the sheet cutting means, sensing means actuated by the material upon the movement of a predetermined length thereof, said second drive roller means operably connected with the sensing means for stopping the material upon activation of the sensing means, brake means associated with the second drive roller means for clamping the sheet in the stationary position thereof upon disengagement of the second drive roller means therefrom, means operably connecting the shearing means with the sensing means for cutting the sheet transversely upon activation of the sensing means, and means associated with said sheet receiving means for removing the severed portion of the sheet therefrom including storage means for receiving the severed sheet portion from the sheet removing means wherein the storage means includes slat means for receiving a plurality of the severed sheet portions from the sheet removing means, conveyor means for supporting the slat means, and storage rack means for receiving the loaded slat means from the conveyor for storage thereof.

12. A sheet handling apparatus as set forth in claim 10 and including storage means for receiving the severed sheet portion from the sheet removing means.

13. A sheet handling apparatus for use in cutting long sheets of material into desired lengths comprising in combination a storage roll for the material, scray means, first drive roller means for moving the material from the storage roll to the scray means, second drive roller means for alternately moving the material from the scray and stopping the material in a stationary position, sheet cutting means for receiving the material therethrough, sheet receiving means for receiving the material from the sheet cutting means, sensing means actuated by the material upon the movement of a predetermined length thereof, said second drive roller means operably connected with the sensing means for stopping the material upon activation of the sensing means, brake means associated with the second drive roller means for clamping the sheet in the stationary position thereof upon disengagement of the second drive roller means therefrom, means operably connecting the shearing means with the sensing means for cutting the sheet transversely upon activation of the sensing means, and means associated with the said means carried by the battery means for independently and selectively releasing the slat members for disposition thereof on the conveyor means for receiving a plurality of severed sheet portions from the sheet removing means, and storage rack means for receiving the loaded slat members from the conveyor means. 

1. A sheet handling apparatus for use in cutting long sheets of material into desired lengths comprising in combination, a sheet feeding means, sheet braking means, sheet cutting means, sheet receiving means receiving the leading portion of the material by gravity, sensing means cooperating with the sheet receiving means for detecting movement of the sheet through a predetermined distance, means operably connecting the sensing means with the sheet feeding means and sheet braking means for automatically stopping the forward movement of the sheet and clamping the sheet in said stopped position upon activation of the sensing means by the sheet, means operably connecting the sensing means with the sheet cutting means for severing the sheet transversely subsequent to the clamping of the sheet, and means operably connected with the sensing means for removing the severed sheet portion from the sheet receiving means, and said sheet feeding means including guide roller means receiving the sheet of material thereover for facilitating movement of the material through the apparatus, drive roller means engageable with the opposite sides of the sheet of material for moving the material over the guide rollers and through the apparatus, said braking means including brake bar means engageable with the material between the guide roller means and the drive roller means during the clamping of the sheet, said cutting means comprising knife means selectively engageable with the sheet of material between the drive roller means and sheet receiving means, and said sheet removing means including pivotal material support means secured in the proximity of the sheet receiving means and operably subsequent to severing of the material for removing the severed sheet portion from the sheet receiving means.
 2. A sheet handling apparatus as set forth in claim 1 and including storage means for receiving the severed sheet portion upon removal thereof from the sheet receiving means.
 3. A sheet handling apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein the storage means comprises slat means for receiving a plurality of severed sheet portions thereover, conveyor means for supporting the slat means, and storage rack means for receiving loaded slat means from the conveyor belt.
 4. A sheet handling apparatus for use in cutting long sheets of material into desired lengths comprising in combination, a sheet feeding means, sheet braking means, sheet cutting means, sheet receiving means, sensing means cooperating with the sheet receiving means for detecting movement of the sheet through a predetermined distance, means operably connecting the sensing means with the sheet feeding means and sheet braking means for automatically stopping the forward movement of the sheet and clamping the means in said stopped position upon activation of the sensing means by the sheet, means operably connecting the sensing means with the sheet cutting means for severing the sheet transversely subsequent to the clamping of the sheet, and means operably connected with the sensing means for removing the severed sheet portion from the sheet receiving means, including storage means for receiving the severed sheet portion upon removal thereof from the sheet receiving means, wherein the storage means comprises slat means for receiving a plurality of severed sheet portions thereover, conveyor means for supporting the slat means, and storage rack means for receiving loaded slat means from the conveyor belt, and wherein the slat means includes battery means disposed in the proximity of one end of the conveyor means for holding a plurality of slat members and releasing means carried by the battery means for independently releasing individual slat members for selective disposition on the conveyor means.
 5. A sheet handling apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the sheet feeding means includes cooperating nip rollers having the axes thereof mutually parallel for receiving the sheet therebetween, one of said nip rollers being carried by pivotal lever arm means, said lever arm means being operably connected with said sensing means for pivoting in one direction upon activation of the sensing means to disengage the said one nip roller from the sheet.
 6. A sheet handling apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein the sheet braking means includes brake shoe means carried by the said pivotal lever arm means and oppositely disposed with respect to the said one nip roller whereby the brake shoe means engages the sheet upon release of the said one nip roller therefrom.
 7. A sheet handling apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the sheet cutting means includes knife means carried by pivotal lever arm means and normally disposed out of engagement with the sheet, and said means connecting the sheet cutting means with the sensing means including actuating rod means connected with the pivotal lever arm means oppositely disposed with respect to the knife means for selectively pivoting the lever arm means in one direction upon actuation of the sensing means for severing of the sheet.
 8. A sheet handling apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the sheet receiving means includes a main frame member for receiving and supporting the free end of the sheet subsequent to passage thereof through the sheet cutting means, and a secondary frame member for removing the severed sheet portion from the main frame member.
 9. A sheet handling apparatus as set forth in claim 8, including storage means, and wherein the secondary frame member is pivotally secured to the main frame member for removing the severed sheet portion from the main frame member and depositing of the severed portion on the storage means.
 10. A sheet handling apparatus for use in cutting long sheets of material into desired lengths comprising in combination a storage roll for the material scray means, first drive roller means for moving the material from the storage roll to the scray means, second drive roller means for alternately moving the material from the scray and stopping the material in a stationary position, sheet cutting means for receiving the material therethrough subsequent to passage of the sheet through the second drive roller means, sheet receiving means for receiving the material from the sheet cutting means by gravity, sensing means actuated by the leading edge of the material upon the movement of a predetermined length thereof, said second drive roller means operably connected with the sensing means for stopping the material upon activation of the sensing means. Brake means disposed on the opposite side of the second drive roller means with respect to the shearing means for clamping the sheet in the in the stationary position thereof upon disengagement of the second drive roller means therefrom, means operably connecting the shearing means with the sensing means for cutting the sheet transversely upon activation of the sensing means, and means associated with the said sheet receiving means for removing the severed portion of the sheet therefrom.
 11. A sheet handling apparatus for use in cutting long sheets of material into desired lengths comprising in combination a storage roll for the material, scray means, first drive roller means for moving the material from the storage roll to the scray means, second drive roller means for alternately moving the material from the scray and stopping the material in a stationary position, sheeT cutting means for receiving the material therethrough, sheet receiving means for receiving the material from the sheet cutting means, sensing means actuated by the material upon the movement of a predetermined length thereof, said second drive roller means operably connected with the sensing means for stopping the material upon activation of the sensing means, brake means associated with the second drive roller means for clamping the sheet in the stationary position thereof upon disengagement of the second drive roller means therefrom, means operably connecting the shearing means with the sensing means for cutting the sheet transversely upon activation of the sensing means, and means associated with said sheet receiving means for removing the severed portion of the sheet therefrom including storage means for receiving the severed sheet portion from the sheet removing means wherein the storage means includes slat means for receiving a plurality of the severed sheet portions from the sheet removing means, conveyor means for supporting the slat means, and storage rack means for receiving the loaded slat means from the conveyor for storage thereof.
 12. A sheet handling apparatus as set forth in claim 10 and including storage means for receiving the severed sheet portion from the sheet removing means.
 13. A sheet handling apparatus for use in cutting long sheets of material into desired lengths comprising in combination a storage roll for the material, scray means, first drive roller means for moving the material from the storage roll to the scray means, second drive roller means for alternately moving the material from the scray and stopping the material in a stationary position, sheet cutting means for receiving the material therethrough, sheet receiving means for receiving the material from the sheet cutting means, sensing means actuated by the material upon the movement of a predetermined length thereof, said second drive roller means operably connected with the sensing means for stopping the material upon activation of the sensing means, brake means associated with the second drive roller means for clamping the sheet in the stationary position thereof upon disengagement of the second drive roller means therefrom, means operably connecting the shearing means with the sensing means for cutting the sheet transversely upon activation of the sensing means, and means associated with the said sheet receiving means for removing the severed portion of the sheet therefrom, including storage means for receiving the severed sheet portion from the sheet removing means wherein the storage means includes a plurality of slat members, conveyor means for independently receiving and supporting the slat members, battery means for storing the slat members, releasing means carried by the battery means for independently and selectively releasing the slat members for disposition thereof on the conveyor means for receiving a plurality of severed sheet portions from the sheet removing means, and storage rack means for receiving the loaded slat members from the conveyor means. 